OAKBROOK TERRACE – As college application season kicks off, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is encouraging students and their families to explore the state and federal relief opportunities related to financial aid, student loans and college affordability.

“Resources are available to make higher education more affordable to families,” said Senator Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “I’m hopeful this relief can offer support to students needing assistance.”

Under the federal plan for one-time student loan forgiveness announced earlier this year, students who received Federal Pell Grants can have up to $20,000 in debt forgiven and students with non-Pell Grant loans can have up to $10,000 in debt forgiven if their individual income is less than $125,000. The application is available at studentaid.gov and must be completed by Dec. 31, 2023.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is encouraging high-school aged girls to apply to the 2022 Illinois Council on Women and Girls. Participants will have the opportunity to learn the legislative process firsthand.

“Young women today are growing up in a different world. It’s important for legislators to listen to the voices and concerns of these girls as we make our way forward in these new times,” said Sen. Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This is a wonderful opportunity for high-schoolers who have a passion for civic engagement and want their voices to be heard.”

OAKBROOK TERRACE – To increase access to healthy, sustainable food options for families in DuPage County, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton announced Prairie Food Co-Op in downtown Lombard as a recipient of a Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

“Fresh and affordable food is critical for every family, no matter where they call home,” said Sen. Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs), chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. “I’m counting down the days until I can welcome the first community-owned grocery to DuPage County—Prairie Food Co-Op in downtown Lombard. This investment, funded in part by Rebuild Illinois, will help ensure families have access to healthy, sustainable food options.”

Prairie Food Co-Op has plans to specialize in local, sustainable and organic food options, produce, as well as personal care and conventional items. The grocery has a mission to provide healthy choices but also building a strong community.

According to the organization’s website, co-ops return close to 40% more of their revenue back to the community, as compared to conventional grocery stores.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $106 million in capital grants that were awarded to revitalize 50 commercial corridors and main streets across Illinois. The historic Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital program represents the largest-ever Rebuild Illinois investment focused on community revitalization.

A full list of grantees is available on DCEO’s website.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, removing millions of women the right to choose:

“As a woman, mother and state senator, I am dismayed and heartbroken at the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling. This decision is not only setting a dangerous precedent but also is endangering the lives of women across our nation. 

“The court’s actions will disproportionately harm women by snatching their right to make their own decisions regarding their reproductive health.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – With support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton, a new Illinois law gives residents a new option to support families of first responders that were killed in the line of duty.

“Families of fallen first responders endure tremendous emotional stress and financial uncertainty,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “By creating this option, we are providing an easy way for residents to show their support to first responders and donate to the families of lost heroes.”

The new law, House Bill 4161, creates a new option on state individual income tax returns for individuals to donate directly to the 100 Club of Illinois Fund.

SPRINGFIELD – Residents in Illinois will have additional access to mental and behavioral health specialists, under a new state law with support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton.

“This effort will improve opportunities for residents needing mental or behavioral health care and workers willing and able to provide that care,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “With this law, Illinois aims to reduce barriers for potential patients, so that all who seek mental and behavioral health care could get better access.” 

In Illinois, there are only 14 behavioral health care professionals for every 10,000 Illinois residents. Because of this gap, many people are forced to wait longer for essential treatment or forego health care entirely.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – A new Illinois law aims to protect restaurants, bars and retailers from deceitful delivery services with support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton.

“It’s not an honest business practice when delivery services can take advantage of local businesses without their knowledge or consent,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Restaurants and bars, particularly locally-owned businesses, should have the opportunity to decide whether or not to utilize delivery services.”

House Bill 3205, also known as the Fair Food and Retail Delivery Act, prohibits third party delivery companies from posting a menu, registered trademark or any intellectual property without the express written consent of restaurants, bars and retail establishments.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton supported a new law recently signed on Friday to expand women’s access to healthy pregnancies and fetal development.

“Good nutrition is key for expecting mothers, and not all women have access to reliable sources of vitamins and minerals,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “By expanding insurance coverage to include prenatal vitamins, we will improve access to supplements that lead to safer pregnancy experiences and healthy births.”

The new law requires insurance policies that already cover prescription drugs to also cover prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins, when prescribed by a licensed physician, can have many health benefits to both mother and child that range from supplying more oxygen to the baby to preventing bone loss in the mother.

“Prenatal supplements can be vital to the safety and wellness of mothers and their children,” Glowiak Hilton said. “With this law, Illinois is offering protections to pregnant women and reducing barriers to quality care.”

The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2023.